My husband and I have a 3 1/2 year old son. We are having a blast raising him but are realizing the importance of having some time to ourselves. We occassionally go out to dinner - - about once a month with friends - - but that's about it. So, we've decided to take a break from our daily routine.
We are planning an overnight stay in downtown Houston (we live in League City). I'm looking for input on hotels, restaurants, and maybe a good day spa. We would like to spend our first afternoon relaxing at a spa, have a nice dinner, spend the night, and have a leisurely breakfast before returning home. We're considering the Hotel Icon but aren't sure.
Any suggestions would be greately appreciated. - - - We like the theater but most are closed till September. We're hoping to go for my husband's birthday in a couple of weeks.
Well The Aquarium downtown is a great place to spend some time in the afternoon. It is right off of 45 and I love walking around there and just looking at every thing. Just a suggestion.
Hello,
I've heard wonderful things about the Hotel Icon, though I have never been there.
Bella Rinova is a great day spa. I've had a facial, massage, haircut and style, and a couple pedicures there (all "new mom" gifts from my family when I had my daughter!) I emjoyed it so much, and the atmosphere was so relaxing. They have a location downtown and in the Galleria.
Have fun!
I don't know about spas or hotels. Years ago I lived in SeaBrook - small little town on the water. There is a excellent Chinese food restaurant on Nasa Road 1 called the Peking Duck- it is actually in Clearlake. Not sure if they are still there but it is the best authentic chinese food I have ever eaten and the service is excellent.
The Houstonian has an absolutely fabulous spa. I highly, highly reccommend it!! Have fun and get some sleep!
Downtown has many wonderful places, depending oon the type of food;
Sambuca
909 Texas St
Houston, TX 77002
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###-###-#### (Fax)
Cross Street: Travis Street , nice jazz music.
I really enjoy Spindletop Hyatt Regency Houston 1200 Louisania Street. Dine by romantic candlelight in Houston's only revolving rooftop restaurant.This is pretty nice. Hope this helps.
Hi M.,
My husband and I have two kids 18 mos. and 3 1/2, we know what its like. We also publish Envy Magazine, which is all about entertainment, resturants, shopping and spas in and around Houston. This also means that we go out at least once a week (even if its usually work related).
Hotel Icon is wonderful, so is The Alden (also downtown) and Hotel Derrick (Galleria area). I know two very nice spas - Message Workx and Praha Day spa. If you like I can send you a mag. We have over 150 listings of resturants, clubs, boutiques, gyms, spas and salons. Or you could just email me. I dont know when you plan to have your getaway but I can tell you what events are going on on which nights. Good luck on your good time!
P.S. Please forgive me for any spelling errors, Im not a writer or editor.
I would recommend Hotel Derek for your stay....it is in the Galleria area. Then, the Urban Retreat for spa services which is not too far from the hotel. Urban Retreat has always provided top notch services. Both are in the Galleria area which will also give you easy access to night time dining.....Morton's Steakhouse, Maggiano's Little Italy, Papa's Steakhouse....and tons of others.
Hotel ICON is a great mini-moon hotel. The entire hotel is drapped in red velvet. The bar inside the hotel is the Whisky Bar and there is a couch area in the bar that is very dark and romantic.
Hotel Icon has a pretty good hotel restuarant. There is also the strip house which is, not great, but OK for the price. There is also sambuca http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/ I have not personally been there but I hear it is good an different. Of course try and make a reservation anywhere you go.
As far as day spas go - Urban Retreat http://www.urbanretreat.com/ and Sensia http://www.sensiastudio.com/ are my 2 favs.
Have a great time!
I would suggest The Houstonian. It's beautiful!! I went yesterday for the first time and will go back for a weekend with my husband. Their spa, Trellis is amazing.
If your looking for an awesome hotel with an awesome day spa, check out the Houstonian! No joke, that place rules!
I've never stayed at a hotel downtown...but I can recommend a couple of restaurants. Try either the Aquarium or Artista. Both have fabulous food and great atmosphere. Both have websites just google them. I have heard the Hotel Icon is nice it's on Main and has a day spa inside it...it has a website too.
I've never been, but would love to go to the Houstonian. They have pools where the Icon doesn't. My husband & I considered doing the same thing, so we recently looked into it. We were planning on going to the spa and then hanging out at one of their pools. Have fun!
My husband and I just celebrated our 5 year this past May...and we stayed at the Magnolia (downtown) It is a beautiful hotel, however the service was HORRIBLE! We planned a 2 night stay, and we wound up leaving after the first night. Thank God we were able to make reservations at Hilton Americas (by the Toyota Center), and their customer service was out of this world!!!!!! I would HIGHLY recommend anyone staying there. It is beautiful, they have several places to eat inside (and a rooftop grille...VERY swank)! If you go out to eat, I would not recommend the Strip House (steak house)...the atmosphere was FAR from romantic. There are naked pictures of burlesque (sp?) women all over the place. It was almost $250 for the 2 of us to eat...and the food was not good at all. I would recommend Vincent's or Nino's (West Dallas) for good Italian food.
The only spa I have been to is at Moody Garden Hotel....opposite way :)....but it was FANTASTIC!!!
I hope this helps! And have a great time!!!
D.
Good Morning M.,
I have a couple of suggestions for your mini-moon. There is a fairly new hotel DT Houston called Inn at the Ballpark. I have stayed there serveral times. They have In-room spa services, a great restaurant called Vic & Anthony's within walking distance and since the theater is not open you could possibly take in a ball game or check the schedule for events at the Toyota Center. Another alternative is to go south to The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center. This property has a full service spa, fine-dining restaurant and located on the seawall overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. You could also check the Opera House to see what proformaces are taking space. Highly recommend either property.
